Redford Developments has acquired the former Nationwide headquarters building on Pipers Way in Swindon, with plans to bring forward a residential-led redevelopment of the brownfield site.
The 3.8-hectare (9.4-acre) site, which includes the 200,000 sq ft Wakefield House building, a multi-storey car park and surrounding land, has draft allocation in the emerging Swindon Local Plan for up to 228 new homes.
The site sits within the wider Pipers Way regeneration area, around one mile from Swindon’s Old Town.
Brownfield redevelopment plans progress in Swindon
Warwickshire-based Redford Developments described the acquisition as its largest to date and part of a wider strategy to bring forward brownfield sites for redevelopment across Wiltshire.
The developer has appointed Corstorphine & Wright as architects to lead masterplanning and initial design work. Public consultation on proposals is expected ahead of a planning application submission.
Richard Mees, Chief Executive of Redford Developments, said: “We have acquired Wakefield House to see it redeveloped as an exemplary new community that prioritises placemaking and sustainability.
“Many of the future residents could work in easy walking distance, as thousands of Nationwide’s skilled workforce are based just up the road. The Ridgeway Hospital, School and Sixth Form Centre are also very close by.
“The scale, setting and residential capacity of this 9.4-acre site will help to meet Swindon’s housing needs. Redeveloping it will transform the street scene, drive investment and attract the best young people to further their careers here.
“The Borough is already generating more than £10bn in Gross Value Added and ranking among the most productive places in the UK for output per hour worked. Combined with a growing working-age population, established global employers and a strategic location on the M4 corridor – with direct links to London and Bristol – Swindon is well positioned to out-perform other large towns and is on the road to gaining city status.”
Strategic regeneration site with transport links
The Wakefield House site is located approximately 1.9 miles from Swindon railway station and 2.2 miles from Junction 15 of the M4. It forms part of a strategic regeneration zone identified within the emerging Swindon Local Plan 2023–2043.
Surrounded by established infrastructure and green space, the site sits close to Broome Manor Golf Club and within two miles of Coate Water Country Park.
The acquisition forms part of a wider pipeline for Redford Developments, which is currently promoting, progressing or delivering 10 brownfield sites.
The company is targeting further opportunities involving non-income producing commercial assets suitable for refurbishment or redevelopment.
The proposed scheme at Pipers Way is expected to contribute to Swindon’s housing delivery targets while supporting wider regeneration ambitions in the town.
